Internet Phone - What is it?

You might consider it a mini-computer with very limited capability. When you connect to the Internet with your home PC, your computer transmits a type of "phone number" called an IP address (this is the IP part of VOIP). Your IP address is a unique identifier for your computer. An Internet phone is able to transmit this unique "phone number" across the Internet to the "phone number" that you dial. Of course, the only processing this phone is able to perform is converting your voice into digital packets.

In the near future, you’ll be concerned with the battery life of your Internet phone just like your cellular phone today. You'll also be interested in how many channels and the data rate your phone provides. Like regular telephones, however, Internet phones can also provide caller services such as Call Waiting, Conference Calling, Call Forwarding, and Speed Dialing. Before you decide to purchase an Internet phone, make sure it has all the features you need.